Bitcoin News

Bitcoin (BTC) was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the world's first successful cryptocurrency, solving the double-spending problem that had plagued previous digital cash experiments. Operating on a decentralized proof-of-work blockchain, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, with its monetary policy enforced through cryptographic consensus rather than central authority.

The Bitcoin network is maintained by miners who secure transactions and earn newly minted bitcoin, while a global ecosystem of traders, institutional investors, developers, and businesses continues expanding its adoption. From El Salvador's legal tender status to corporate treasury adoption by companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla, Bitcoin has evolved from a cryptographic experiment into a recognized store of value and inflation hedge.

At CoinDesk, we deliver breaking Bitcoin news and in-depth analysis covering everything from price movements and institutional adoption to technological developments and regulatory shifts. Our team tracks Bitcoin ETF launches, mining industry changes, Lightning Network growth, and the ongoing debates shaping cryptocurrency's future.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Markets

Bitcoin Depot, North America's largest bitcoin ATM operator, files for bankruptcy

Bitcoin Depot, the largest bitcoin ATM operator in North America and publicly listed on Nasdaq, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

By Omkar GodboleMay 18, 2026

Bitcoin ATMs (John Paul Cuvinar/Unsplash/Modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

Crypto traders betting on a rally lose $563 million in liquidations. Ether and bitcoin suffer the most

Ether and bitcoin led liquidations, as their prices dropped on macroeconomic concerns.

By Omkar GodboleMay 18, 2026

Expiring futures contracts, a legacy of physical commodity pits, are coming to a decentralized crypto exchange. (Jeremy Kemp via Wikipedia, modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

Bitcoin slides under $77,000 as oil shock and Treasury yields hit risk assets

Long-term holders are still sitting tight and exchange balances remain near six-year lows, Binance Research data shows, but underwater short-term holders leave BTC vulnerable to macro shocks.

By Sam ReynoldsMay 18, 2026

Tech

DeFi's new front: VerifiedX bets bitcoin's next chapter is programmable, private

VerifiedX says its Bitcoin sidechain enables programmable, privacy-preserving transactions without synthetic wrappers, targeting growing institutional demand for native DeFi on the original blockchain system.

By Jamie Crawley, AI BoostMay 17, 2026

Markets

Bitcoin gives up Clarity Act gains as macro rout wipes out leveraged crypto bulls

Stocks, gold and crypto slid on Friday while crude oil topped $100 and traders repriced Fed expectations for rate hikes.

By Krisztian SandorMay 15, 2026

Bitcoin (BTC) price on Friday, May 15 (CoinDesk)

Markets

Strategy to repurchase $1.5 billion of 2029 convertible bonds using cash or bitcoin sales

Led by Michael Saylor, the company aims to retire half of its outstanding 0% 2029 converts as it restructures liabilities tied to its bitcoin treasury strategy.

By James Van Straten, AI BoostMay 15, 2026